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UN's top security body has approved a US-backed measure that supports Moroccan position regarding the contested Western Sahara, notwithstanding fierce opposition from Algeria.

Divided Decision Bolsters Moroccan Stance

Although Friday's vote was divided, the measure represents the most significant support to date for Moroccan proposal to maintain control over the territory, which additionally has support from most European Union countries and a growing number of African allies.

Measure Framework and Important Elements

The resolution describes Morocco's plan as a foundation for negotiation. Similar to previous resolutions, the document makes no mention of a vote on self-determination that includes sovereignty as an option, which represents the solution long supported by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could represent a most feasible solution.

Historical Context

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastline arid land the area of Colorado which was under Spanish control until 1975. It is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in south-western Algeria and asserts to speak for the indigenous people native to the disputed territory.

Voting Results and International Reactions

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in favor, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, the movement's primary benefactor, did not vote.

Mike Waltz, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stated the decision had been "significant" and would "build on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algeria's representative to the UN, said that while the resolution was an advancement on earlier iterations, it "still has a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Operation and Upcoming Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been done for over three decades. Previous renewals, though, have not contained a mention to Morocco and its allies' favored resolution.

The measure calls on all sides involved to "seize this unprecedented opportunity for a enduring peace." Depending on developments, it requests the UN leader to review the peacekeeping mission's authority within six months.

Area Consequences and Present Situation

The change could disrupt a long-stalled situation that for decades has escaped resolution, notwithstanding a United Nations peacekeeping operation that was designed to be temporary. Protests have ensued in indigenous settlements in the neighboring country this week, where people have pledged not to abandon their struggle for independence.

The Moroccan government controls almost all of the territory, excluding a narrow strip called the "free zone" that lies east of a constructed by Morocco sand wall.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991-era truce was intended to pave the way for a referendum on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility prevented it from taking place.

Over the years, Morocco has developed the disputed region, constructing a deepwater port and a long road. State support keep food and energy prices affordable, and the resident count has grown significantly as Moroccan citizens settle in urban areas such as major settlements.

Polisario withdrew from the ceasefire in 2020 after confrontations near a route Morocco was paving to Mauritania.

The group has subsequently frequently reported security activity, while Morocco has primarily denied active fighting. The UN describes it "low-level hostilities".

International Diplomacy and Coming Possibilities

In response to the draft resolution, the movement said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to 'legitimise' Morocco's unauthorized military occupation," adding resolution "can never be achieved by supporting territorial claims".

The situation constitutes the driving force in regional diplomacy. Morocco considers endorsement of its autonomy plan as a standard for how it assesses its allies.

Recently, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a suggestion no party accepted. He encouraged the government to specify what autonomy would involve and warned that a lack of development might raise questions about the UN's role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to remain effective."

The initiative to reassess the UN operation comes as the US slashes funding for UN programmes and organizations, including security operations.